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Orange
County, Vermont
(WGN
45-09-03) (WGCB VT-09-03): (1904;
strengthened c. 1950s; roof repaired c. 1985; repaired 2001)
A single-span multiple Kingpost over multiple Kingpost truss 45' 7" over
the Second Branch of the White River. Located: North of South
Randolph, Vermont off SR 14 on Hyde Road. Directions: From
jct. SR 14 and SR 107, go right (West) on SR 107 7.3 miles to right onto
Hyde Road to the bridge. Note that the bridge is highly visible traveling
south on SR 14, but shielded by houses heading North so keep a sharp eye
for the right turn on Hyde Road. Originally constructed in 1883 as
a multiple Kingpost truss boxed pony bridge. It was covered in 1904,
when a second multiple Kingpost truss was added above the pony truss.
Prior to 1955, it was reinforced with two steel beams above roadway tie-rodded
to smaller steel beams under deck to strengthen the structure and increase
its load capacity. Circa 1985 the west northwest half of the corrugated
steel roof was replaced. In June 2001 major repairs were completed which
included adding poured concrete caps on the abutments, raising the trusses
above flood level, replacing rotted timbers and painting the sides.
Roof work consisted of replacing many roof boards, two roof cross beams
and all diagonal knee braces, and installing a new steel roof. Barn
red painted vertical tongue and groove boarding covers the sides and portals.
The floor has crosswise planking and its black painted steel roof and gables
project beyond the entrances to provide additional weather protection for
the interior. The Vermont Agency of Transportation 's bridge consultants
have recommended that due to truck traffic across the bridge it be bypassed
to preserve the wooden structure. As of September 8, 2004, the bridge
was still in service. Also known as the the C. K. Smith Covered
Bridge, the Blue Covered Bridge (when it was once painted blue)
and the Lower Covered Bridge. It was listed on the National
Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1974. (Sep 2004) |
